La Colmena
Birthplace of Japanese immigration to Paraguay: orchards, apiaries and a hill nicknamed 'Colmena Fuji'.
What it is
Among green hills, La Colmena blends fruit farms, apiaries and Japanese surnames. It was the country's first Japanese colony, founded in 1936, and its memory is kept alive at the Dr. Hideho Tanaka Museum and in Kunito Miyasaka Park, with its monument to the pioneers. Cerro Apyraguá, nicknamed 'Colmena Fuji' for its resemblance to Mount Fuji, dominates the landscape, and in summer Paso Tranquera offers a place to cool off. It's also the gateway to Salto Cristal.
What to see and do
- Dr. Hideho Tanaka Museum, keeper of the first settlers' memory
- Kunito Miyasaka Park and monument
- Cerro Apyraguá ('Colmena Fuji')
- Paso Tranquera, for a summer dip
- Expo Frutas fruit fair (December)
Did you know…?
SENATUR promotes it as the 'Cradle of Japanese Immigration' and the 'Fruit Capital'.
Cerro Apyraguá is known as 'Colmena Fuji' for its likeness to Mount Fuji.
On August 22, 2026, Prince and Princess Akishino of Japan paid tribute to the pioneers in Kunito Miyasaka Park.
History
Dr. Kunito Miyasaka arranged the purchase of more than 11,000 hectares, and on May 15, 1936, the colony was founded with 11 Japanese families, about 81 people. More immigrants arrived between 1936 and 1941 and later carried their farming know-how to other colonies such as Yguazú and Pirapó. In 2026 it celebrated its 90th anniversary with a visit from Prince and Princess Akishino.
Tips
- There are local guesthouses: book ahead for the Expo Frutas.
- Combine it with Salto Cristal and Ybycuí National Park for a weekend.
- Buy fruit and honey directly from the growers.
Best time: December, with the Expo Frutas (15th edition: December 20–21, 2025) and grape season; May 15, founding anniversary.
What to try
- Seasonal grapes, melons, watermelons and plums
- Honey from local beekeepers
- Paraguayan-Japanese dishes at the Expo Frutas
Activities
Festivals and events here
Nearby
La Colmena (compañía Isla Alta, límite con Borja, Guairá) · Paraguarí
Salto Cristal
A curtain of crystal-clear water over rock walls, hidden in the forest between Paraguarí and Guairá.
Itapé · Guairá
Itapé y el Santuario de la Virgen del Paso
Every December 18, tens of thousands of pilgrims converge on the shrine of the Virgen del Paso, beside the Tebicuarymí River.
Ybycuí (Minas Cué) · Paraguarí
Parque Nacional Ybycuí
Atlantic Forest, cold-water falls and the ruins of the La Rosada iron foundry, from 1854.
Sapucai · Paraguarí
Sapucai
A railway town among the hills: British workshops from 1894, steam locomotives and tea in the English Village.
Valenzuela · Cordillera
Valenzuela
The pineapple town: a Franciscan church from 1783 with statues from the 1600s, and streams for cooling off.
Acahay · Paraguarí
Cerro Acahay (Monumento Natural Macizo Acahay)
An ancient volcanic complex visible from Asunción: trails, rock outcrops, caves and a crystal-clear stream on its slopes.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 5 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.